Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Even though it hasn’t been an extensive period, I’ve gathered some experiences along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, not merely due to its array of living arrangements but also because of its multicultural environment. Students have an abundance of alternatives available. The options for student housing and private rentals include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective dwellings online, verify available amenities, and assess closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy travel and movement between zones. I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Also, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, connecting to zones outside of central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare system of each train operator. The high demand for central London’s major attractions escalates living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves valuable time when handling errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural environment, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections with their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a lively hub with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, dive into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.